Phillies 4, Cubs 3 (12 innings)Ben Francisco's solo home run in the top of the 12th inning sealed the win for the Phils tonight and prevented me from being cranky at work tomorrow. The team managed only 3 hits all night against Cubs' pitching. J.A. Happ was shaky in his start, allowing baserunners in each of his six innings pitched.
The question has to be asked: How much longer will manager Charlie Manuel stick with current closer Brad Lidge? Jamie Moyer struggled and has been exiled to the bullpen. Lidge has struggled mightily, and yet he continues to be used as the team's closer. If the 2009 Phillies are going to go deep into the Postseason (if they're even going to get to the Postseason), the closer situation has to be addressed. Lidge entered the game tonight with a one run lead in the bottom of the 9th. Fifteen minutes later, he walked off the field with the game tied 3-3 having blown his seventh save of the season.
(This is yet another card sent from Night Owl, with a few modifications made.)
It was tense, wasn't it? Once it hit extra innings, I had to eat something, so I wouldn't bite my nails off. Should Chan Ho Park be the new closer? Did you see the movement on his slider yesterday?
ReplyDeleteChan Ho has been a complete surprise, and I think you need to at least consider him in the 9th inning going forward. (Slider is incredible.) Another interesting scenario - Brett Myers continues to rehab with the hopes of returning by the end of the month. He's closed before . . .
ReplyDeleteI am in the Chan Ho Camp. I think he has the right demeanor to survive in the roll
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